WHY ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS
As a Tier 1 Merchant Account provider, SIRQA offers an array of
advantages to companies: Reduced administrative cost, improved cash
flow, quicker access to funds, the image of a modern, innovative
company, etc. Consumers also like using credit cards as a form of
payment because it is a simpler and safer method, no hassles with
cash or delayed payments as with billing. Accepting credit cards
can be a big decision for some businesses. For others, accepting
credit cards can be their most widely used form of payment, including
cash! Setting up a merchant account with SIRQA is easy. Contact
one of our representatives and they will walk you through the entire
process
Is Accepting Credit Cards Worth It?
Not every business needs to accept credit cards. Many companies
function perfectly fine with cash or billing and other payment terms.
However, in order to sell your products or services successfully,
most businesses should definitely consider looking into accepting
credit cards. Accepting credit cards can make it easy for your customers
to buy products and pay for services. The more difficult it is for
customers to conduct business because credit cards are not accepted,
the greater the chance of losing that customer forever!
Although the cost of accepting credit cards should be considered;
conversely, so should the cost of not accepting credit cards. Will
you be losing customers? Will you be inconveniencing your customers
by not accepting credit cards? Do your competitors accept credit
cards? Remember, today's consumers demand conveniences. If you are
inconveniencing your customers by not accepting credit cards, you
might consider that an obvious sign that accepting credit cards
will be a smart business decision.
What do I need to accept credit cards?
In order to accept credit cards you will first have to establish
a merchant account. The merchant account is an account established
with a payment processor for the settlement of credit card transactions.
The funds derived from the merchant account will need to be deposited
into a checking account belonging to any bank of your choice.
If your business operates as a corporation, a business checking
account in the businesses name is required. If your business is
a sole proprietorship or partnership, the only requirement is the
individual or partners' name(s) must be on the check. Meaning, in
this circumstance, a personal checking account can be used in place
of a business checking account but only for sole proprietorships
or partnerships.
The next step in accepting credit cards is to choose a payment
processing solution best suited for your business type; these include
Real-Time Internet processing, retail swipe terminals, and computer-based
processing such as software or our Virtual Terminal. Please feel
free to contact us for detailed information on each available solution
to help you determine which is best for your businesses needs.
Your credit card processing options:
Real-Time credit card Processing - This is our most popular solution
for Internet businesses that accept credit cards. Real-Time credit
card processing allows your customer to automatically and securely
pay on your site using their credit card. Real-Time processing normally
works in conjunction with a secured online order form or a shopping
cart. Because the payment gateway encrypts the information prior
to sending it out for authorization, secure certificates are not
required for Real-Time processing.
Virtual Terminal - This solution is perfect for Mail/Phone Order
businesses as well as web sites that process sales using a non Real-Time
processing solution. Our Virtual Terminal is a secure solution that
allows you to accept credit cards using any computer connected to
the Internet, anywhere in the world, with no software to install!
You simply access the Virtual Terminal and manually enter the credit
card information. Our Virtual Terminal also includes access to Real-Time
reports.
Retail Virtual Terminal - This includes all the features referenced
above with the addition of an electronic card reader. Our Retail
Virtual Terminal is ideal for any retail business where credit card
payments are accepted. Used with the Magtec card reader, your credit
card transactions are securely processed in seconds! SIRQA'S Retail
Virtual Terminal supports a wide variety of powerful features, including
comprehensive transaction management and reporting features to help
you better manage your business.
Retail Swipe Terminal/Credit Card Machine - This solution is most
desirable for retail/storefront merchants who see their customers
face-to-face. A credit card machine is an electronic device used
by retail businesses to process credit card transactions. If the
customer is present, they swipe or slide their credit card through
the machine.
Point-of-Sale Software - With PcCharge software you can accept
credit cards for retail/storefront business with the addition of
a card reader. Or, without the card reader it is also a popular
solution for Mail/Phone Order businesses. PcCharge software can
communicated using a phone line or a high-speed connection.
After determining what payment solution best fits your needs, an
application must be completed. The application/merchant agreement
is the contractual agreement between you, the merchant, and our
processing bank. The documents can either be emailed or faxed for
you to review and sign. The business owner(s) or an officer of the
corporation will be required to sign the documents in order to accept
credit cards.
The following items will be needed.
1. Business checking account (see above for requirements)
2. A copy of a voided check
3. Copy of utility bill or statement with the Business Address.
4. Have a web site (if you are Internet based. A web site is not
needed for retail storefront businesses)
5. A photocopy of your driver's license
SIRQA will assist you in all stages of accepting credit cards. Your
account representative will be available for any questions assuring
a seamless setup process.
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